Families across the UK are increasingly turning to credit cards, crowdfunding platforms and even loan sharks to pay for funerals, as the cost of traditional services records its biggest annual rise in ten years.
According to the latest Cost of Dying Report, published by SunLife, the average price of a traditional attended funeral rose by 5.3% last year to £4,510 — the steepest increase since 2016. The report, now in its 22nd year, draws on data from funeral directors and people who have recently arranged funerals across the UK.
Rising costs have been driven by higher prices for coffins, burial and cremation fees, staffing, and energy. Since the study began in 2004, the cost of a traditional attended funeral has increased by 146%. Had prices risen in line with inflation, the increase would have been closer to 82%.
The most common option, a simple attended funeral, costs an average of £3,828 across the UK and £3,655 in Scotland. While similar to a traditional service, it excludes some additional elements, helping families reduce costs.
Despite this, funeral expenses remain a significant financial strain. Fifteen per cent of families report serious concern about meeting costs, with many relying on credit cards, instalment plans or selling personal belongings to fund services.
The report highlights a worrying rise in extreme coping measures. Use of crowdfunding platforms by families in financial difficulty has doubled from 6% to 12% in recent years. For the first time, 8% of respondents reported turning to loan sharks, a deeply concerning development.
At the same time, direct cremations continue to grow in popularity. These services, which take place without attendees or a formal ceremony, now account for 21% of funerals, up from just 3% in 2019 — a shift largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, 86% of families choosing direct cremation still hold a wake or memorial, bringing the average overall cost to £2,949.
While 70% of people make some provision for their funeral, only 42% plan sufficiently to cover the full cost, leaving loved ones to make up the shortfall.
SunLife chief executive Mark Screeton said:
“The cost of saying goodbye continues to rise faster than many families can afford. Planning ahead allows people to create a meaningful farewell without unnecessary financial stress at an already difficult time.”
Morag Webster, Chair of the Fuze Foundation, added:
“We are seeing increasing numbers of distressed families struggling to pay for funerals. The financial hardship faced at one of life’s worst moments cannot be underestimated and it’s why the foundation exists”
“The Fuze Foundation supports bereaved families by offering Funeral Ceremonies (Celebrant services only) free of charge. We work closely with other social enterprises, like Caledonian Funeral Aid, and Funeral Link Dundee”
In response to this article we want to do even more. We are publishing a series of guidelines on how to reduce the cost.
Here are some other organisations who can help:
Caledonia Funeral Aid: https://funerals.scot/
Funeral Link: https://funerallink.org.uk/
Down to Earth: https://quakersocialaction.org.uk/we-can-help/helping-funerals/down-earth
